The gladius became one of the defining weapons of the Roman Republican legionary—but its story may begin outside Rome.
A new study published in Greece & Rome argues that the gladius hispaniensis was adopted and spread rapidly through the Roman army during the Hannibalic War.
The study examines archaeological and literary evidence and explores why the weapon became so closely associated with Spain.
The exact story of its adoption remains debated, but the evidence reveals something important about the Roman army: its weapons evolved as Rome encountered new enemies, cultures and military traditions.
